Each entry (contestant) will be notified two weeks prior to the contest when they should arrive at the local, unless otherwise requested by the venue. We schedule rehearsals and time to get to know the band. Once your rehearsal is scheduled we ask that you show up at least 10 minutes before time to get settled in and ready. Rehearsal time is for your benefit, if you miss your time for rehearsal we will attempt to fit you in another time slot but that is not promised or guaranteed.

A local quality band will be selected in your area to be the Official Band of American Country Showcase by the venue. Music Tracks are allowed but not recommended. Since, our contest is voted on exclusively by the people in attendance, live performances normally are better suited for their voting.

Bands may compete and provide their own back-up, however you should bring your own equipment, guitars, keyboards, etc, and be able to rapidly, be ready to perform. Contact your local venue for equipment requirements. Bands will perform last, and only 1 band per venue is allowed, all others must be solo's, duet's etc. (vocal).

Because American Country Showcase is held at America's premier Retailers, Casino's, Theaters, and State and County Fairs, music contestants should be of the legal age per state law for entering any of the above mentioned venues.

Contestants cannot be related to anyone associated with Gateway Entertainment Group, LLC or it's subsidiaries. Contestants cannot be currently on any Country Charts, Independent or National. Contestants can not have signed a major or independent record deal within the last 12 months. Contestants cannot currently have contracted management.

Contestants must enter the contest online so ACI has your records on file immediately. A maximum of 8 Artists per showcase is allowed including 1 band. In the event of a cancellation of an artist, the next registered artist would be called to compete. We encourage contestants to register early, as artist registration with a maximum of 8 artist per local showcase, per night, fills very quickly. If registration becomes full at your local showcase, contestants will be allowed to compete at other showcases across the country. If contestants register and do not show up or give 24 hours notice that you are unable to attend the event, you will be barred from competing at other showcases across the country. A 24 hour email notification must be given if you can not make it to the event.
                       

     <<<  Register online here:

The national winner of American Country Showcase will receive a 10 song album recorded in Music City USA, under the direction of a Nashville producer, studio, and agent. Information regarding credentials and studio used by American Country Showcase is available by request. Winner also will receive a complete website design remake or new site depending on artist with hosting included for 1 year. Winner will receive a management and booking agreement with TW Cross, LLC. Artist will also receive national distribution of 1 single from album project to be distributed on CDX in association with GCR/CDX. Dates of recording in Nashville will be based on studio availability, artist availability and producer availability, but will not exceed 4 months from winning of Showcase unless requested by artist.

1. No member of the local selected band may compete at any showcase nationally.
2. Performances must be done in good taste, no music or lyrics that are offensive will be allowed.
3. No special lighting, props, or special effects may be used on the local level.
4. The winner of the local Showcase is eligible to compete at the National Grand Finals to be held in Music City USA, Nashville, Tennessee.  Expenses to the grand finals are the responsibility of the performer. American Country Showcase may have special rates available to them by certain hotels, motels, restaurants, etc. These will be forwarded to them before the National Finals. Admission to the National Finals is FREE to the performer and 1 guest. Many of our performers ask local businesses to help with their sponsorship. We can provide additional information of programs available upon request.
5. The grand finals are broken down into 3 groups of 25 or less. The Grand Finals will be held at different times during the day. Those who proceed forward from the groups of 25 will compete on the final night for the Grand Prize. Out of the 75 local performers, only 10 will perform the night of the Grand Finals. The public and three music industry insiders will make the final decision in Music City USA, Nashville, TN.
6. Contestants may compete at several local competitions, or until contestants becomes a local winner. At that time you are to proceed to the nationals. Contestants also may perform through arrangement with American Country Showcase as a local winner at other Showcases not competing, but showcasing your talent to other crowds across the country.

We recommend your song selection be carefully considered. Original songs are highly recommended. If you have decided on using the house band, we recommend choosing simple cover songs that are not difficult for the band to learn. This will make your performance the best it can be.

American Country Showcase does not use pre-selected judges. The audience (the People) vote on who they want to advance to the national finals. We find audiences all across the country 99.9% of the time will select the artist who has the best chance nationally to compete. This is their community and they want strong representation at the national level. Local communities are very proud of the artist who continue to the next level, and take their decisions very seriously. TIE: In the event that the public can not make a clear choice with regards to who goes to the national level, 1) A member of American Country Showcase and the Event holder will break all ties. Their decision will be final.